A solar-generating structure, also known as a tower or heliotrope, is called a solar tower. It uses mirrors for focusing sunlight and looks similar to a tower. It is also called a heliostat or a central tower-power plant. An array of flat and movable mirrors transmits the sun's rays. This structure uses concentrated sunlight to generate electricity and other useful energy.
Avian vaporizers
Unenviable title: "avian vaporizers" is given to solar power stations. The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System power Tower has been responsible for the deaths of over 100 birds. Birds are killed by the intense solar flux that creates a dangerous circle of heat energy. Basin & Range Watch obtained a Freedom of Information Act request that shows biologists filming birds being affected by the solar flux. Scientists comment on the phenomenon by watching the white birds, including horned Larks. Also, the video shows the mirrors in their standby position which creates a dangerous ring of bird-trapping flux.
Heat engines
A heat engine has been created by researchers from MIT, NREL and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). It can convert thermal energy to electricity. The new device does not use moving parts, and it has a greater conversion efficiency than a traditional steam turbine. It uses a thermophotovoltaic panel to convert higher-energy photos from a white hot heat source into electricity.
Towers for downdraft energy
Downdraft energy towers are a revolutionary way to generate green electricity. These towers harness solar and wind energy to produce power. Philip Carson was the first to invent downdraft-towers. The Technion Israel Institute of Technology has been working on it since 1975. The company promises that it will produce plentiful green electricity at an affordable rate.
Heliostats
Multiple mirrors make up the reflective area of a Heliostat. This area can sometimes exceed 150 square meters in some cases. Heliostats maximize the solar energy reflection while keeping the weight down. They must also not damage the tower's two-axis movement. Optic losses can be larger for larger surfaces. Larger surfaces also require more frequent maintenance and optimization.
Bird and insect deaths
A solar power plant in California is causing a major problem for birds and insects. The intense beams of sunlight inside the towers cause birds to ignite in mid-air and perish. This method has been used to kill thousands of insects and birds. According to the most recent study, solar power plants are responsible in between 37,800-138,600 avian deaths each year. Those figures are not surprising given the fact that solar power plants have significantly fewer fatalities than windows or fossil fuel power plants.
Environmental impact
Construction of solar towers can have many negative effects on the environment. Water wastage is one of the most serious issues. Large amounts of water are used by solar power plants to cool generators and other equipment. This can have a negative impact on local ecosystems, especially those located in arid areas.